The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is reportedly set to issue clarifications this month on the Department of Telecommunications’ (DoT) back reference regarding satellite spectrum allocation, as well as the proposed turnover-linked penalty of up to 1 per cent on telecom operators.
In September 2025, the DoT asked TRAI to clarify several issues, including the proposed Rs 500 fee for urban satellite broadband subscribers. TRAI has maintained that a Rs 500 charge per user would motivate satellite companies to broaden their presence in rural markets.
Additionally, the department has agreed on a 4 per cent adjusted gross revenue (AGR), based spectrum usage charge (SUC) for commercial satellite communication service providers.
The regulator is also examining matters such as Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) subsidy disbursement to reduce satellite terminal costs, along with determining a maximum user capacity for satellite operators.
After the Telecommunications Act, 2023 enabled administrative assignment of spectrum for most satellite-based services, the DoT sought updated recommendations from the regulator in July 2024.
TRAI is also expected to finalise its stance this month on the proposed turnover-linked penalty of up to 1 per cent on telecom carriers for providing inaccurate or misleading information.
Additionally, the regulator is nearing completion of its recommendations on backhaul spectrum pricing. The forthcoming norms could boost the adoption of India-made internet of things (IoT) devices for deployment overseas.
